Is It Okay for Christians to Smudge?

Understanding Smudging and Spiritual Intentions

Smudging, the practice of burning sage to cleanse spaces, raises questions about cultural appropriation and the intention behind such rituals. While the instructor's desire to smudge reflects kindness and a genuine wish to create a positive environment for the nursing class, underlying fears persist among some Christians regarding associating with non-Christian spiritual practices. It is suggested that the intention behind the act, rather than the act itself, is crucial; if the heart behind the ritual is to promote goodness and ward off negativity, it can be seen as positive. Recognizing that God's presence can be found in various traditions encourages humility and openness to learning from indigenous practices, rather than viewing them with fear or disregard.